What is the name of the inner region of the adrenal gland that works with the sympathetic nervous system during stress?

The inner region of the adrenal gland that works with the sympathetic nervous system during stress is called the adrenal medulla. It plays a crucial role in the body’s response to stress by releasing catecholamines, such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine, into the bloodstream. These hormones prepare the body for a 'fight or flight' response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability, thereby enhancing the body's ability to respond to a perceived threat.

The adrenal cortex, which is the outer region of the adrenal gland, is primarily involved in producing steroid hormones like cortisol, which helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and other functions but is not directly responsible for the immediate response to stress. The adrenal capsule refers to a protective layer surrounding the adrenal gland, and the adrenal cortex zona is not a distinct region but rather refers to specific zones within the adrenal cortex (zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis), each with different functions related to hormone production, rather than acute stress response.